Well well well. And we're back with chapter 38. Here, we'll learn a little backstory information on our sarcastic dragon dad along with some riddles! Oh yeah… wolf's new Star Wars + Inheritance Cycle crossover thing… I have tried telling him that they're just too far apart and the lightsaber forms are too complex but noooo. What do I know? I'm just a dumb editor. Lol
Anyway, reviews.
Jtf0012: Uhhhh yeah. This story is way better.
Yubel578: What's poppin' bro beans? Hmmm Alma has a heart. The three are just having… family squabbles. All families have em. No one is perfect.
With the reviews outta the way, let's dive into chapter 38.
Underneath the dragons, the pathless forest stretched wide to each white horizon, fading as it did from the deepest green to a hazy, washed-out purple. Martins, rooks, and other woodland birds flitted above the gnarled pines, uttering shrieks of alarm when they beheld the dragons, who flew low to the canopy in order to protect their passengers from the arctic temperatures in the upper reaches of the sky.
Eragon, Saphira and Ancalagon reveled in the chance to fly together once more, as this marked the first time in a long while that they had been able to fly for an extended period of time without interruption. Saphira was especially pleased with the trip, not only with getting to spend time flying with her Eragon, but also to impress her Rider with the skills and endurance she and Ancalagon had learned during their training.
However, as the flight had started to get boring with the silence, Orik had suggested a game of riddles to pass the time.
What breaks but never falls? Saphira asked as it was her turn after she answered one of Ancalagon's. It was the team of Eragon and Saphira against Ancalagon and Orik, while Stargazer, Almandine and Arya simply watched and listened as the dragons flew.
"The Dawn." Orik answered, causing Saphira to huff a little, disappointed that they had so easily guessed. On her back, Eragon chuckled and gave her a consoling pat upon her neck.
Seeing as how they guessed right, it was Orik's turn. The dwarf pondered a moment, then asked,
Tall I am young,
Old I am short.
While with life I do glow,
Urur's breath is my foe.
Ancalagon smirked as he could practically hear Saphira gnashing her jaws, complaining that it was unfair to use a reference to dwarven gods in a riddle. She and Eragon were silent for several moments, before she shot back, Candle!
Now it was Orik's turn to grumble as he admitted defeat, and the dragoness thrummed with pride. He and Ancalagon waited patiently whilst the sapphire dragoness and her Rider thought up their riddle for their turn. However, Ancalagon could tell this was starting to get to Saphira. Like all dragons, she was prideful on her intelligence and really did not like the idea of losing.
A sudden snicker caused Ancalagon to glance at his father... who was actively giving Alma the stink eye.
What's the matter with you two? Ancalagon asked curiously, feeling his heart lift now that there were no more issues between him and his adoptive parents. After what happened with Stargazer the other night, and keeping his words to himself, Ancalagon had gone to Almandine who instantly opened up to him and apologized for her attitude with him… but told him he needed it.
Oh nothing... your mother is so going down when it's Arya and I's turn, though. The elf upon his back smirked evilly.
Although confused and curious, Ancalagon focused on his sapphire-colored mate as it seemed she and Eragon had finally come up with a riddle for them.
It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt. It lies behind stars and under hills, And empty holes it fills. It comes first and follows after. Ends life, kills laughter. Saphira said with a smug look as Ancalagon frowned and started conversing with Orik on the answer.
After a few moments of silence, Ancalagon's lips curled into a fanged smirk as he looked at his mate. The Dark. Is that meant to be a compliment towards my scales, Saphira? I do blend in with the darkness quite well at night.
You would take it as a compliment. Saphira snorted. Anything to boost your ego.
Hey!
Alright. Our turn. Arya said and her voice drifted into their minds. Time to put you all down like the family dog.
Stargazer locked his eyes onto his mate and uttered his riddle.
What is blue and smells like red dye?
Uh-Oh…. Ancalagon's eyes widened. Stargazer had told him this one once, when they talked about riddles and bringing Saphira and Almandine into a game on the way to Ellesmera, but things got busy and they didn't have time to play their little game. And as such, Ancalagon knew the answer to this trick riddle. One thing was for sure though… Almandine was going to be pissed at not figuring it out quickly.
Almandine's eyes shifted as her brilliant mind went to work on finding the answer. As the minutes stretched on, they could see the frustration building in her. Finally, she huffed and glared at Stargazer. Fine, I give up. What is the answer?
Oh honey... The crystal dragon crooned as he flew a lazy loop up and over Almandine before settling behind and slightly above her. It is blue dye.
Saphira, Eragon and Orik's eyes widened while Ancalagon shook his head slowly and Arya smirked. Whether he knew it or was ignoring it, Stargazer did not look at Almandine's furious glare that was locked onto him.
You... YOU SHIT! The dragoness roared before flaring her wings and tackling her laughing mate out of the sky. YOU ARE SO DEAD!
As they watched, Ancalagon looked at his mate and her Rider. Do you think they remember that Arya and Orik are on their backs?
An echo of a female laughing was accompanied by a not-as-masculine scream.
Saphira looked at Ancalagon and they broke into laughter. I will take that answer as a 'no'.
On the third day since leaving the elven city, the hearty wind rose up behind them and carried the dragons farther and faster than they could have under their own power. Soon, they had left the sandy Hardarac desert behind and the greener plains of southern Alagaesia greeted them once more. When darkness finally began to fall on this day, the party camped for the night at the southernmost edge of Silverwood Forest.
The afternoon following, the four dragons flew straight to Aberon, capital city of Surda. The low slung, walled city was centered around a bluff in an otherwise flat and featureless landscape. The grand structure of Borromeo Castle dominated the sprawling city, rising above all the other buildings atop its home at the bluff's summit. Three concentric layers of walls enclosed the citadel with numerous guard towers and large ballistae dotted all along its perimeter.
Alma and I will keep in the sky. A still amused Stargazer told the group. Son, take Arya with you. Her armor will protect her legs from being shredded on your scales.
Ancalagon nodded and angled close to his father to allow Arya to jump onto a space between his neck and shoulders, where she fit comfortably. He was surprised when she shifted slightly to the right and sat more on his shoulder... which allowed his neck free range of movement without his neck spike impaling her.
Comfortable there? Ancalagon asked, slightly worried she may slip off if he had to do a sudden dart to the left or right.
"I can still grab your spike in case of emergency and yes. I will be fine." Arya replied while smiling.
Pleased to hear it, Ancalagon followed Saphira down towards the city, the two spreading their wings out to slow their descent.
Alma's fat ass wouldn't even fit in the city square. Came the sudden joke from his father.
Ancalagon nearly snorted in amusement, especially when hearing the angered growl from his mother. He and Saphira landed in the courtyard of the city, with the black-scaled male putting himself slightly in front of Saphira protectively. Nearby, a group of tethered horses began to fuss and panic to such a state that Eragon was forced to calm the animals with his mind and the ancient language.
"You're getting better at that, Eragon." The elf on the black-scaled dragon's back complimented.
"Thank you." Eragon smiled at her, before his attention, along with theirs, shifted when a group of twelve men, mostly soldiers, hurried out of the keep towards the group. In front, a tall man with the same dark complexion as Nasuada led the precession until they halted no more then ten paces away. Then, to Eragon's slight surprise, they all bowed.
"Greetings, Rider," the dark man said with a slight accent. "I am Dahwar, son of Kedar. I am King Orrin's seneschal."
Eragon inclined his head. "And I, Eragon Shadeslayer, son of none."
"Arya, daughter of Islanzadi."
Saphira, daughter of Vervada. The dragoness hummed, using Eragon to convey her words.
Ancalagon, Son of Stargazer Skulblaka Konungr and his mate, Almandine, Patron of the Varden. The black dragon rumbled and used Arya as his mouthpiece.
Dahwar bowed again. "I do apologize that no one of higher status than me is here to greet you, but King Orrin, Lady Nasuada, and the entirety of the Varden have long since marched to confront the army of the Empire." Eragon nodded. He and the others had expected as much. "They did, however, leave orders for you to join them directly, as your assistance in battle is greatly needed."
"Can you show us where to find them?" Eragon asked. Dahwar assured him that he could. As he sent for a map, he also asked if Eragon or his party was in need of refreshments or rest. The young Rider politely declined, stating that it was highly unlikely the two dragons would fit within the halls. Despite Eragon's answer, Dahwar still insisted on showing their honored guests the full range of their hospitality, asking if they were in need of provisions or supplies.
Stop stalling us. Ancalagon snarled, his voice in everyone's minds now. We have a battlefield to find so get the damn map or I will eat you from the toes up and prolong your suffering as you die in my jaws.
"I am in agreement with my friend here." Arya said, although she gave Ancalagon a reassuring pat on the neck in a silent effort to tell him to be calm. "We do have a war to get to. So if you could please hurry."
"Just give us some supplies of food and water for the remainder of our journey." Eragon said, then shot Ancalagon a look. Can't you be nicer?
We're going to war, Eragon, and time isn't exactly on our side. Ancalagon argued back.
At Eragon's word, they deposited the items beside Saphira and Ancalagon, looking terribly frightened as they did, then retreated behind Dahwar. Kneeling on the ground, Dahwar unrolled the map—which depicted Surda and the neighboring lands—and drew a line northwest from Aberon to Cithrí. He said, "Last I heard, King Orrin and Lady Nasuada stopped here for provender. They did not intend to stay, however, because the Empire is advancing south along the Jiet River and they wished to be in place to confront Galbatorix's army when it arrives. The Varden could be anywhere between Cithrí and the Jiet River. This is only my humble opinion, but I would say the best place to look for them would be the Burning Plains."
"The Burning Plains?" Eragon frowned.
"Du Völlar Eldrvarya." Arya said, speaking the old name for the Burning Plains. "That's where we're going."
Then let us not waste anymore time. Ancalagon urged subtly as he shifted a little. We've seen enough of the maps to know where to go.
Once Eragon had the supplies given to them from the dwarves, he got back onto Saphira's saddle and the dragons took off from the courtyard, making their way up to meet Stargazer and Almandine and report their findings to them.
We make for the Burning Plains. Was all Ancalagon needed to say once they met up with the ancient, older dragons.
If so… then we do not stop for rest this time. Stargazer said, though glanced at Almandine for a second.
True to Stargazer's word, they did not stop for rest that night, instead opting to fly straight on through until morning. Of the moon and stars they saw no sign, no flash or pale gleam to breach the oppressive gloom. The dead hours bloated and sagged and, it seemed to Eragon, clung to each second as if reluctant to surrender to the past.
When the sun finally returned—bringing with it its welcome light—the dragons landed by the edge of a small lake so Eragon, Arya and Orik could stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and eat breakfast without the constant movement they experienced on her back.
They had just taken off again when a long, low brown cloud appeared on the edge of the horizon, like a smudge of walnut ink on a sheet of white paper. The cloud grew wider and wider as the dragons approached it, until by late morning it obscured the entire land beneath a pall of foul vapors.
They had reached the Burning Plains of Alagaësia.
As they approached the camp, alarm horns blared and arrows flew up to meet the dragons... only to be destroyed as a massive blue field crackled to life around the four.
"Those thrice-blasted fools!" Orik shouted from atop Almandine's back. "I'll beat every one of them with my boot when I-". He trailed off in an impressive tirade in dwarvish.
You'll be the least of their worries if dad gets his claws on them, Orik. Ancalagon told him.
While their reactions were… unnecessary, I do commend them on their quick reflexes to attack what they believed to be an enemy. Stargazer admitted, albeit reluctantly. He did not tolerate any sign of danger towards his family… even arrows that would bounce off their scales.
The dragons flew down and landed, shaking the ground and kicking up dirt that they sent away with a flap of their wings.
Oh great. Crowds. Ancalagon muttered upon seeing the gathering crowd, then lowered his head and neck to the ground, allowing Arya to slide down and hop off while Eragon got down from Saohira's saddle, and Almandine lowered Orik to the ground. The dwarf looked quite happy to be back on land again.
The Rider came to stand in front of Saphira as the ranks of awestruck men stared at him and the sparkling dragons. From within the crowd, the hulking form of Fredric pushed his way forward, shouting at the men to return to their posts. "My apologies, Shadeslayer," he sighed. "None of you were harmed, yes?"
"No." Eragon surprised the weapons master by requesting to see the men responsible. After Fredric led the trio to the gathered men, Eragon again shocked those present by praising their quick thinking, but told them to make sure to check their targets the next time they spotted a flying dragon.
But next time… don't aim for us because I won't be so merciful as I am right now. Stargazer growled in warning, and they trembled with fear, nodding quickly to show they got the message. Now, shall we go see Lady Nightstalker?
From there, they were led to the rear of the encampment, where a large red pavilion flying the Varden's standard stood nestled against a fairly large outcropping of rock. Orik was already waiting for them, having shoved his way through the crowd. The main flap was pulled back, and Eragon, Arya and Orik entered the pavilion. To the dragons, Fredric respectfully led them around to the side, where a much larger flap had been prepared in the event of their want to join the people inside.
A broad table took up the center of the grand and furnished tent. Nasuada stood at one end, leaning over the table and studying a pile of maps and scrolls. The dark-skinned young woman turned her head towards the newcomers, and whispered, "Eragon?"
Eragon nodded with a smile. "It's us."
"Eragon!" This time, the delight and joy were evident in Nasuada's voice as she walked over and gave Eragon a brief hug, which was returned without hesitation. Pulling back, Nasuada motioned toward the opening behind him, then turned to him in question. "The dragons?"
Here. Stargazer said, pushing his head through the section of the tent removed for the dragons to look through. Good to see you again.
"And you, my friend." She reached out and stroked his cheek briefly, before turning back to Eragon. "Now, what has happened to you, Eragon? Everything about you seems different."
And so, Eragon began recounting all that had befallen them since leaving Farthen Dur so long ago. Due to his oath of secrecy regarding Oromis and Glaedr, he had to be vague about his training, but nevertheless tried to be as thorough in the account of his skills as possible. He told of the changes he and Auron had undergone due to the magic of the Blood-Oath ceremony, resulting in Eragon's altered appearance. Nasuada inquired about his scar that had been left by Durza, but Eragon proudly reassured her that he was better than before. A few more sentences served to end his story, telling of his scrying of the Varden and the decision to return.
Nasuada stood at the table and absorbed every word. "You have changed much in the time you were gone, Eragon." A ghost of a smile graced her features as she looked at Saphira and Ancalagon, noticing their newfound closeness as Saphira laid her head against Ancalagon's shoulder. "Although, it seems a lot has changed since the last time I saw you. Although…"
What is it? Ancalagon asked with a slight frown, noticing Nasuada looking for something at their legs expectantly.
Nasuada raised a brow. "Oh nothing." She said innocently. "I just thought I would be seeing maybe one, two or three smaller dragons accompanying their happy parents. Seems someone failed to step up to the challenge. Did you get cold feet at the last second?"
"Probably did." A new voice said as Angela the Herbalist entered, smirking at the younger male dragon. "Got second thoughts and ran for it?"
Ancalagon growled, and the chuckles from his mate and parents did not help matters. Not that it's anyone's business but mine and Saphira's, but we are official… we're just holding off on having children until we don't need to worry about them being taken to be slaves to the King.
"Ah." Angela nodded in understanding. "A good reason. But still I wonder-"
It's not an excuse. Ancalagon rolled his eyes with slight amusement. Don't be expecting any smaller dragons anytime soon, especially in a land at war.
Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that. Stargazer suddenly said, causing all attention to be brought on to him. He had his wing draped over Almandine's back, a paw running gently along her belly. There may be a rambunctious little one running around soon… just not Ancalagon and Saphira's.
Mouths dropped open and eyes widened. Nasuada held her hands over her mouth in shock, Eragon's jaw dropped and his eyes widened. Arya's face broke into a wide, beaming smile. Saphira and Ancalagon were struck silent, especially the younger male.
M-Mom… you're pregnant?! He asked with growing shock. He was going to be an older brother… Oh boy, why did he feel a little faint right now?
Yes... I am gravid. Almandine confirmed, her voice soft as she nuzzled her son. That does not mean we will love you any less. You are just as important to us as our newest member of the family will be.
Stargazer snorted while chuckling. Doesn't mean you can be an absolute dick to her either... You will be the one to name your future sister, Michael.
Ancalagon froze, then looked at him. Did he just hear that right or was he hearing things because of the shock? What? I-I… I get to name her? Hold up... time out. SISTER?!
With an exhale, Ancalagon looked just about ready to pass out until Stargazer stopped him with his tail. Oh no, kid, you ain't going through that reaction at hearing you'll be a big brother… save it for when you're told Saphira's pregnant. I wanna see you fall over and tease you about it afterward.
Ancalagon shook his head, snapping out of it. He glanced between his parents, still unable to believe it… but was nonetheless insanely happy for them. Especially since he knew the story of what happened to their first hatchling, who didn't even get to hatch before her death. God, he was fighting back tears right now.
"Well, I wasn't expecting that good news, but I am nevertheless glad to hear it." Nasuada said with a smile. "Congratulations Stargazer, Almandine. I suppose the two of you will be looking for a leave from the war effort? I wouldn't blame you with the precious gift-"
We will stay. Almandine curtly cut her off. As the months progress, I will remain in the rear of our forces, keeping our troops strong and unified. I am no coward and can fight, but as I have said before... I am the brains while my mate is the brawn. He isn't stupid though. Far from it. He figured out ways to see our son before he brought Michael to this land... Almandine glared at her mate who started humming. Sneaky bastard.
Can't say it wasn't worth it. It gained us a son. Stargazer pointed out. Now you can dote on your baby boy and little girl.
Dad… Ancalagon grumbled. He. Was. Not. A. BABY!
Everyone chuckled at the dynamic between the family before Nasuada caught everyone's attention again. "Well, I wager the dragons will want to rest after their long journey. Eragon, come with me. It's time you met King Orrin."
Leaving the tent, Eragon followed Nasuada along with Arya, while the dragons opted to look for somewhere to rest. A new noticeable change was how Ancalagon stuck to his adoptive mother's side, his gaze looking around almost… cautiously. Then again, with the shocking news of his mother being pregnant, Eragon wagered Ancalagon's protective nature towards his family was surviving and he would let nothing harm Almandine, and by extension, his unborn younger sister.
The young dragon suddenly froze in his tracks, remembering the conversation he had with his father that day the group left the forest of the elves. Saphira nudged her love gently at the look of horror growing on his face.
Is everything alright? Saphira asked, genuinely concerned for the well-being of her mate. What is it?
Ancalagon looked at Saphira with tears welling in his eyes. I-I don't think my father is going to make it through this, Saphira. His voice was no more than a whisper as the pair looked at Stargazer and Almandine, and they immediately noticed how the older male seemed more attentive than ever.
What do you mean? Saphira demanded softly, and Ancalagon looked away. She growled softly and used a paw to force him to meet her eyes. Fiery orange met deep sapphire blue and the female could see the uncertainty and hurt gnawing away at the dragon she had come to love. Michael, tell me. Tell me why you think this.
He- Stargazer spoke with me when he had me vent my anger the day we were leaving for the Varden. Ancalagon admitted reluctantly while Saphira's eyes softened. He spoke to me of a vision that he had had the previous night and made me promise to ensure I would look after Almandine, help guide her on the path forward. He made me promise to not dwell on the past and to move on, to not get stuck up on his passing… I… I don't know if…The black-scaled dragon looked into his lover's eyes, tears pouring from his own orbs. If I lose him… I might lose myself. He and Alma are my parents. They're my structure… you're my reason to live, Saphira. But if I lost even one of them… I will never be the same. I don't know what I would do. I-I'm scared.
Shhhh… Saphira pulled his head down and pressed it against her chest, letting her beating heart speak for her. His sobs shook his frame, and passer-bys gave them strange looks but were promptly sent scurrying away when Saphira growled at them. For over an hour, the tormented young male wept, lost in his thoughts and what-if's. I'm here, my love… The sapphire-colored dragoness crooned softly while holding her male companion.
I don't want to become a shell of myself, Saphira. Ancalagon said softly while listening to the steady thumping of his dragoness's heart. You don't deserve to be with only a fraction of myself… it wouldn't be fair to you. He looked into her eyes. Stargazer had asked me if I would be able to move on if I lost you. The dragoness tilted her head and raised an eyebrow. I admitted I would kill myself to join you in the afterlife.
Ancalagon's vision flashed red as a paw struck him across the face and whipped his head around to face an annoyed Saphira.
No you won't. She snarled, getting in his face. You will never do such a thing because you KNOW I would not want that. That is such a selfish thought and I never want you to entertain such thoughts again. Am I clear, Michael?
Ancalagon nodded sharply, suddenly fearful. Yes ma'am. Crystal clear.
Hey kiddo!
The young couple was torn from their moment by an ecstatic Almandine who was trotting toward them. Coming to a stop in front of them, the two younger dragons could see her fiery reddish-orange eyes alight with excitement.
You two have to see what Stargazer found! C'mon! With that, she spread her wings and took to the air, her son and mate following soon after.
Ancalagon had to hand it to his dad.
He sure knew how to pick a good chilling area.
The mound his father had chosen was covered in a fine layer of soft clover and silky grass, while it was far back enough behind the Varden's lines to remain safe yet gave the dragons an unobstructed view of the enemy encampment. Saphira hummed and flopped onto the ground, sighing in comfort as she twisted around a few times before getting comfortable. Ancalagon looked at Stargazer, who had curled his massive form around Almandine and had his eyes closed.
Walking up to his parents, he flopped down next to his father, causing the crystal dragon to crack open an eye and raise one eyebrow. Yes?
Ancalagon looked into Stargazer's open orb, watching the galaxies swirl around and the brief flickers of light as stars detonated into massive supernovas. Why are your eyes so… vast? They have no distinct color or form. What… what are you, dad?
Mmmmm… The massive dragon hummed, causing the ground around the dragons to vibrate slightly before answering. I suppose I should tell you how I came to be then first.
Ancalagon and Saphira got comfortable while Almandine slept peacefully, her large head resting perfectly against Stargazer's neck as the old male dragon began his story.
Two thousand, four hundred and seventy-six years ago, my egg was laid on a sandy beach here on the shores of Alagaesia. Now, I do not know the names of my parents for they did not have any, but what is important was that I laid dormant in my shell for one hundred and fifty or so years before hatching. Twelve days before I hatched, my egg rolled onto the sandy shores in front of the cave where my parents were cowering during a violent thunderstorm. A bolt of lightning struck my egg as a wave crashed over it simultaneously. My once metal-like scales were superheated into the glass-like crystals they are now and my wings… well you can clearly see what had happened to my wings. The dragon chuckled before continuing. The inner fire that once burned within me was exactly like yours, Saphira. I would have been exactly like you except darker. As my scales changed, my inner fire was replaced with unstable electricity. Lightning. My blood is not normal either. It is white-ish silver. Stargazer bit into his foreleg, drawing blood that was a silvery white. It is pure, one hundred percent platinum. My bones are no longer made of calcium either. They were burned into pure palladium while my claws and teeth were converted into diamonds. And my sight was altered. I can also fly into deep space as my lungs can now handle the lack of oxygen as they are also slightly metalized. I am still organic, but my body has mutated and adapted with these changes. As for my eyes… I have several gifts. One is a gift of Sight. I can predict my opponent's next move long before they execute it and my gift is how I found you, Michael. Stargazer nuzzled his son who hummed. As you all know, I can also manipulate lightning, fly through storms, alter dreams, and summon cyclones out of thin air. I can also control wind currents to favor myself or set them against an opponent. There is one ability that I have only ever once used and swore never to use it again after the destruction it caused.
Can you at least tell us what it was? Saphira inquired, curious.
A look of shame flashed across the features of the ancient dragon before he looked at the young dragons seriously. When I fought my brother… our final fight caused an intergalactic catastrophe. The energy we released was that sound blip your scientists discovered in 2003, Michael. They claimed it was caused by two black holes colliding and destroying each other… but it was actually caused by the final strike I landed upon my brother. It didn't kill him, as beings like my brother and I only fade over trillions of years, but I put him into a deep slumber where he remains virtually powerless. Stargazer hummed warmly as he gently brushed his snout across Almandine's wing, which was folded against her side. Almandine… I granted her the same immortality I possess. We will eventually die, but not for some… The dragon seemed to trail off before the word "time". He looked at Ancalagon, who solemnly returned the look. Anyway… I named myself "Stargazer" due to my childish nature when I was young. I would look to the stars above this world, and one night, I released some of my wild magic that I had slightly tamed. I swore that I would aid those who simply looked up at the night skies and asked for help. Funny thing is that I answered a prayer from Alma here and she is exactly three hundred years younger than I am. And yes. The crystal dragon smirked while looking at the young couple. Those were the loneliest five hundred years of my life. She was two hundred and some odd years old when we first met.
Was it love at first sight or some cliche shit like that? Ancalagon chuckled while his father smiled.
Fuck no! Stargazer laughed softly, as to not disturb his sleeping mate. Alma annoyed me for about twenty years… until she learned that she could see me whenever she looked up at the stars and asked for me. Clever youngster. Just like her son. Her and I found a new sanctuary, the one with the tree, after the night the elves ambushed us all and stayed there until after Galbatorix laid waste to the Riders and reigned over this Empire.
Wait. You mean to say you cowered away and let the Riders be slaughtered?! Saphira was furious.
Stargazer gave her a sympathetic look. Call it whatever you want, Saphira. Would you claim the same of Glaedr and Oromis? They hid themselves away just as we did. Brom crashed into our lives and Alma put him to good use. Her and Brom worked hand in paw to build the Varden into what they are now. Brom would give people an opportunity and Alma would nudge their mental judgment ever so slightly into favoring the Varden over the Empire. For decades she has been working from the shadows, whispering in the minds of men and their families to join a cause worthy of fighting for. Righteous of dying for. Tell me Saphira, would you rather that Alma and myself died with the Riders and our wild brethren? If so, you would currently be alone, without a mate. Or would you now know the truth and how we have been undermining this tyrant of a king for the last eighty years?
Saphira's built up anger collapsed and she saw the reasoning for why the two had done what they did. It wasn't for them to outlive everyone or use people as pawns or puppets. It was to support a cause that was only right.
The dragoness sighed. You're correct. I apologize for my outburst. I was wrong to judge you two and your actions before knowing the reasoning behind them.
You are forgiven, Saffy. The crystal dragon replied with a wink before laying his head down and sighing. Let's get some rest before the battle. Stories will come after.
The younger dragons immediately agreed and found themselves a spot next to Eragon's tent where they cuddled up and succumbed to the calls of sleep. Before closing his eyes, Ancalagon noticed Arya's tent was next to the wild dragons and the elf was levitating above the ground while she meditated. Snorting softly, the black-scaled dragon allowed himself to be swept away into the land of his dreams.
If only he knew what he would see would terrify him.
B.W.- Well, we finally made it to the Burning Plains… which means the battle is coming along with a certain duo making their debut. Well, one making his return, the other making his debut. Now that…. I am really looking forward to.
S.S.- You're just excited for my coming death, asshole. Don't feed them that line of bullshit.
B.W.- What are you talking about? Shut up before you spoil things!
S.S.- You just spoiled it by confirming it, stupid.
B.W.- I mentioned Murtagh and Thorn because the readers have already read the books so they know to expect them! You're the one who mentioned your death, which is NOT happening anytime soon readers, at least in the story, because I'm gonna kill him myself.
S.S.- *raises an eyebrow* Yeah ok puppy paws. You're not the one fighting in a war. I am. *troll face*
B.W.- That's it! That's it! *Shifts to dragon form and tackles Stryker* Come here! I'm gonna kick your ass!
S.S.- *growls and grabs your head* Say hello to this mountainside for me will ya? *smashes your face into the mountain, causing a rock slide on top of you* Ha. Sweet dreams, bitch. Anyway readers, while wolf boi dragon wannabe takes his nap… *kicks a limp leg before turning to our audience* be sure to remember to drop a dank review, cuz we do read them, leave a favorite and who knows. If you like this story so far and want to stay up-to-date on it for every new upload, consider following the story. Now if you'll all excuse me, I have an author to babysit and listen to as he bitches about his migraine when he wakes up.